There are very few down sides to living in Exmouth. Possibly one of the only down sides for me, but probably one of the up sides for other people, is the distance from a cosmopolitan city.

It’s not city per se that I miss, rather the cultural opportunities that are easy to access. However, we the people of Exmouth do have some great opportunities right on our doorstep, including a new venture that’s bringing a whole raft of amazing speakers to our town.

Exe Events is a new local events company headed up by Aloma Watson and the emerging line-up of inspirational speakers she is bringing to Ocean is nothing less than top-notch. First to visit is former Royal Marine Scotty Mills on the 6th April. Scotty is also known as ‘Gareth Southgate’s secret weapon' after he worked with the England manager to instil the Marines’ spirit in the national team in advance of their great performance in the Russian World Cup tournament.

And if you think that’s exciting, at the end of April the wonderful, dare-I-say ‘National Treasure’, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is also booked to speak. Both men will be talking about their lives and careers and promise to inspire all those who attend. I’m sure these events will be the start of many, and I hope they get the support they deserve.

Just down the road, Budleigh Literary Festival have also just announced events for their Spring Weekend. Booked to appear over 17th and 18th March are broadcasters David Dimbleby and Edward Stourton; Dame Kate Bingham who led the UK’s covid vaccine taskforce; architectural engineer and designer of The Shard, Roma Agrawal MBE and Esme Young of Great British Sewing Bee fame. With tickets already on sale you’ll need to be quick to ensure you have a seat. What a line-up!

So really Exmouth has it all this spring and I have no need to leave to find culture at all. Think of all the money I’ll save on petrol!